I've been a wild rover for many a year, And I spent all my money on whisky and beer. But now I'm returning with gold in great store, And I never will play the wild rover no more.
I came to an alehouse I used to frequent, And I told the landlady my money was spent; I asked her for credit, she answered me "Nay, Such a custom as yours I can have any day!"
I took from the pocket ten sovereigns bright, And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight. She said:"I have whiskeys and wines of the best, And the words that I spoke sure were only in jest."
I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done, And I''l ask them to pardon their prodigal son. And if they caress me as off times before, Then I never will play the wild rover no more.